UKONS 2026: Sciensus nurses share cancer care insights
Presentations explore scalp cooling access, virtual peer support and support for clinicians after patient safety incidents
Sciensus will present three posters at the UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS) Annual Conference 2026 at the SEC Glasgow on 13 and 14 November 2026.
Led by Sciensus’ specialist cancer nurses, the work reports early outcomes from a new scalp-cooling service in Northern Ireland, a virtual peer-support programme for people receiving systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT) at home, and a framework to support clinicians after patient-safety incidents.
Patient Led Support Groups: Enhancing Peer Support, Empowerment and Holistic Care
Authors: Clair Fitzgerald, Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist; and Edel Pilling, Chloe Sherratt and Patricia Coley, Clinical Nurse Specialists
Poster display: 13 and 14 November, exhibition hall; authors available Friday, 13 November, 3:30-4 p.m. GMT
More than 150 patients were invited to monthly virtual sessions. The programme started as a mesothelioma pilot and now covers six pathways, adding prostate, early breast, bowel, gynaecological and secondary breast cancer.
- Patients co-designed the format and topics, and guest speakers have included dietitians, a physiotherapist and a mindfulness practitioner.
- Initial feedback highlights the need for emotional reassurance, peer connection, and better preparation for treatment.
Introducing Scalp Cooling in Northern Ireland: Improving Access, Experience and Support in Cancer Care
Authors: Edel Pilling, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Rachael Kerr, Clinical Lead for Chemotherapy
Poster display: 13 and 14 November, exhibition hall; authors available Friday, 13 November, 3:30-4 p.m. GMT
Scalp cooling was not previously available to patients receiving SCAT in Northern Ireland. Sciensus introduced it using the Paxman system, following the service model it runs elsewhere in the UK. Sciensus nurses lead patient education, suitability assessment and support throughout treatment, and the team sits on a regional steering group working to expand access across Northern Ireland.
- Thirty-five patients received scalp cooling through the Cool Cap service: 17 in 2025 and 18 so far in 2026.
- In informal feedback, patients reported less anxiety about hair loss, more confidence and a more positive treatment experience.
Supporting Clinicians After Clinical Patient Safety Incidents: A Systems-Based Approach to Learning, Accountability and Wellbeing
Presenters: Samantha Preston, SACT Practice Development Nurse; Claire Murphy, Patient Safety Specialist; and Paula Gilbert, Professional Nurse Advocate
Oral presentation: Friday, 13 November, 2:15-3:30 p.m. GMT, Leadership & Management breakout session, Boisdale (Breakout 3)
A three-part framework paired an immediate debrief and action plan from a SACT Practice Development Nurse with a systems-based investigation and restorative clinical supervision from a Professional Nurse Advocate, using the A-EQUIP model.
- The investigation looked at tasks, equipment, working environment, team communication and policies to establish what happened and why.
- A multidisciplinary After Action Review with nursing and pharmacy colleagues identified what worked, what needed to improve and which processes to strengthen.
- The case illustrates how psychological safety and restorative support can help clinicians engage in learning and rebuild confidence while maintaining accountability and keeping patient safety at the centre.
This work reflects how oncology nursing can shape care around the whole person, from widening access to supportive services to creating connection for people treated at home and helping clinicians learn after safety incidents. We look forward to exchanging ideas with colleagues from across the cancer nursing community and contributing to conversations about practical, compassionate care.
Alison Griffiths, Director of Nursing & Clinical Ops
About Sciensus
Sciensus connects the people, infrastructure, care and evidence that help specialist medicines deliver their full value. For more than 30 years, Sciensus has worked with the NHS to provide specialist clinical nursing and patient support in patients’ homes across cancer, rare disease and chronic conditions, caring for more than 300,000 patients each year across 180+ NHS trusts in the UK. Across Europe, Sciensus provides commercialisation expertise and operational infrastructure to help global pharmaceutical and biotech companies bring medicines to patients in multiple markets. Through the care it delivers, Sciensus also generates real-world evidence that helps demonstrate the value of treatments and improve future care.
